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Luxury Performance Sedans

9978 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2009 at 1:30 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan


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#9232 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic [djkidoc] by uglybear
Apr 03, 2007 (5:54 am)
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Replying to: djkidoc (Apr 03, 2007 4:43 am)

Get BMW but skip sport package. This way you'll get BMW handling but cushier ride. Sport package comes with stiffer suspension. If you like larger wheels, you can buy them later, separately, without having to take sport suspension along with them. And remember, BMW sits higher than MB in the quality / reliability list. BMW is not the best, but I will take 'average' reliability over 'much worse than average' any time. See JD Power and Consumer Reports.
#9233 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic [uglybear] by tayl0rd
Apr 03, 2007 (6:05 am)
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Replying to: uglybear (Apr 03, 2007 5:54 am)

If you skip the sport package, you might as well skip the BMW altogether. A non-sport BMW is not one bit better than every other car in the segment when it comes to handling. It's pretty bad, actually. I've driven a non-sport 530i and was amazed at how terrible the handling was compared to what I was expecting of "The Ultimate Driving Machine."
#9234 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic [tayl0rd] by uglybear
Apr 03, 2007 (6:33 am)
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Replying to: tayl0rd (Apr 03, 2007 6:05 am)

I did feel difference between 530xi and 530i, but not that much to say it is no longer BMW. 530xi sport package does not include active stabilization or stiffer coil springs. Still, it handled much better than Lexus or Acura RL. I never drove M35x, so I don't know about Infiniti. If one is to buy the car and keep for a long time, it is alwaysis possible to put aftermarket coils like Hamann later and/or put on bigger rims with lower profile tires.
#9235 of 9978
535xi vs 350 4matic with sport package.. by djkidoc
Apr 03, 2007 (6:51 am)
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oh, i'm definitely considering the E 350 4matic with the sport package. does it make it a better competitor with the 5 series if that is the case? btw. thanks for the replies..
#9236 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic with sport package.. [djkidoc] by tayl0rd
Apr 03, 2007 (10:21 am)
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Replying to: djkidoc (Apr 03, 2007 6:51 am)

Tough call there. I've also driven the E-class with and without the "Sport Package." (I've driven everything in the segment.) Not much difference in the E-class with or without Sport Package; both are fairly pedestrian. The difference between a 5-series with and without Sport Package is quite large. It doesn't even feel like the same car. The difference between the Infinity M with and without Sport Package is only noticeable at the extreme limit. If all you do is occasional higher than average cornering, the difference between the two is imperceptible. If you drive like a madman around turns (me), then the non-Sport Package will let you know you don't have the Sport Package with lots of protest from the tires and straying across the line.
 
But back to the BMW. Without the sport package, I'd say it's on par with the Lexus GS and Acura RL. No, even with SH-AWD, to me, the RL is merely adequate. I wouldn't call it sporting. Many owners have, though. Just a difference of driving styles and what's acceptable to the individual.
#9237 of 9978
Re: Used vehicle choice, MB 320 CDI vs BMW 530 vs Audi A6 3.2 Quattro [bria by aflc
Apr 03, 2007 (10:24 am)
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Replying to: briantucson (Apr 02, 2007 5:53 pm)

In terms of reliability, Audi has moved up quite a bit, #12 overall, better than any of the other German brands. This upward trend may be a predictor of future build quality.
 
If you want a stable ride with both comfort and sportiness, I think Audi offers both, packaged together, to a greater extent than the other two brands.
 
If you were to get the Air Suspension you would be able the better adjust the ride comfort to suit your needs. Dynamic mode for the times you're in the mood for some fun. Comfort mode for those bumpy roads.
 
Also, you have the option of standard Drive mode, for regular driving, vs Sport mode, which allows for quicker down shifts and slower up shifts. And don't forget the Sports Seats, added comfort along with better support.
 
But, I've notice that most of the Audis out there come with Standard Suspension. Which really does a disservice to the Audi brand. Do try to find one with Sport or Air suspension. To quote tayl0rd :
If you skip the sport package, you might as well skip the BMW altogether
I would somewhat agree for the Audi as well, w/ and w/o Sport Package is like driving two different cars. Although one does have the added benefits of having Quattro in the Audi.
 
I think for your needs, you will be very pleased with the A6. Not too hard, not too soft... just right.
#9238 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic with sport package.. [tayl0rd] by designman
Apr 03, 2007 (11:06 am)
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Replying to: tayl0rd (Apr 03, 2007 10:21 am)

A non-sport BMW is not one bit better than every other car in the segment when it comes to handling. It's pretty bad, actually.
 
But back to the BMW. Without the sport package, I'd say it's on par with the Lexus GS and Acura RL.
 
Blasphemy. What you're saying is akin to a pro golfer telling a 5-handicap golfer that he's the same as a 20-handicap. It's inaccurate. You just have no tolerance for anything less than a BMW sport suspension.
#9239 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic with sport package.. [designman] by spiritinthesky
Apr 03, 2007 (11:48 am)
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Replying to: designman (Apr 03, 2007 11:06 am)

"Blasphemy. What you're saying is akin to a pro golfer telling a 5-handicap golfer that he's the same as a 20-handicap. It's inaccurate."
 
Good analogy and correct statement.
 
I drive a 2003 M5, so I could claim that any non-"M" BMW isn't worth it. And that would be equally absurd.
 
The non-sport 5-series is second only to the 5-series sport models in handling, steering and driving dynamics in this segment. Nothing by Audi, Mercedes, Acura, Infiniti or Lexus is going to handle as precisely. I could disparage each and every one of those nameplates with criticisms such as "Audi's are obese pigs", but that's just being obnoxious. All of these cars have some quality attributes. But none have the driving dynamics of the BMW 5-series, IMO. Take plenty of test drives for yourself.
#9240 of 9978
Re: 535xi vs 350 4matic [kivi] by bruceomega
Apr 03, 2007 (12:01 pm)
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Replying to: kivi (Apr 03, 2007 5:26 am)

kivi,
 
Did you drive a 535Xi? Or is that what you were considering based on driving a 530i/530Xi? Reason I ask is I didn't think the 535's were out yet, although you can apparently order them.
 
Thanks
Bruce
#9241 of 9978
Partial March sales figures by drtravel
Apr 03, 2007 (12:31 pm)
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5-Series 4,315
E-Class 4,019
A6 1,038
RL 719

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